LOT 209

Offered from the National Motorcycle Museum Collection c.1958 Ariel 499cc HT5 Trials Motorcycle Registration no. not registered Frame no. CRT311 Engine no. CNJ265

Sold for £14,375 inc. premium

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Lot 209

Offered from the National Motorcycle Museum Collection, c.1958 Ariel 499cc HT5 Trials Motorcycle
Registration no. not registered Frame no. CRT311 Engine no. CNJ265

The Winter Sale - including The National Motorcycle Museum Reserve Collection - Bicester Heritage|11 December 2020, 11:00 GMT|Bicester, Bicester Heritage

Offered from the National Motorcycle Museum Collection
c.1958 Ariel 499cc HT5 Trials Motorcycle
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. CRT311
Engine no. CNJ265

By the mid-1950s the swinging-arm frame's superiority had begun to be recognised in the trials world, overturning the conventional view that a rigid frame gave better grip. Ariel was one of the last manufacturers to introduce a trials frame with rear suspension, the prototype of what would become the HT5 first appearing at the 1955 Scottish Six Days event with production proper commencing in September of that year. Little was achieved by the works HT5s in their first season but the arrival of Ron Langston for 1956 brought with it the success Ariel had been seeking, their new signing winning the Cotswold and Greensmith trials. For the next few seasons, the HT5 was the class of the field. Arguably the most capable of the 'heavyweight' trials irons, the HT5 disappeared along with the other Ariel four-strokes in 1959 after only 450-or-so had been made, though Sammy Miller's famous and much modified example - 'GOV 132' - would continue winning at the highest level well into the 1960s. One of the last of its kind produced, this restored HT5 displays a total of only 1 mile on the odometer. The machine's mechanical condition is not known; accordingly, prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to its condition, completeness, correctness, or otherwise prior to bidding. Offered with purchase receipt (2003).

Footnotes

As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness, and originality prior to bidding.

Saleroom notices

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Additional information

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